MEET LEONIE RHODES
What was the inspiration behind your piece for SWELL Sculpture Festival 2022?
My alter ego BBBS. My favourite object; ‘The Gayer Anderson Cat’ a stolen Egyptian bronze. As well as my passion for Roman and Greek figurative sculpture, contemporary art toy manufacturing, concrete and the new phenomenon of NFT’s. All these influences inspired decisions at different stages of the making process.
What does exhibiting in the 20th year of SWELL Sculpture Festival mean to you?
Its means so much to me!. I first exhibited in swell in 2012, Its 10th year. I turned 30 on the opening night where I sold my work. I’ll turn 40 this year, it’s 20th year!
What is the coolest art tip you’ve ever received?
Tools matter. Having the right tool for the job supports a professional finish.
Is It lonely working as an artist? If so, how do you combat that?
Yes and no! I DJ, it gets me out and about! And away from being alone in my studio. I enjoy the immediate and prolonged feedback with DJing, you can connect with people for hours, its an amazing privilege. I also love working with children and in public which gives me inspiration and a relationship with my community.
What does your dream collaboration look like, and which artist/s would you chose?
Louise Bourgeoise, something large, outdoor, semi-virtual and participatory.
What is your favourite art supply store of all time?
Kerbside-collection.
If you could have lunch with any artist from any era, who would it be?
Sarah Meyohas who invented Bitch coin. She’s extremely bright!
What is your favourite thing to do after completing a major project?
A lay down, a good meal and then to go dancing.
What is the strangest thing or thought that has inspired a piece of your work, or practice?
Strange pre-dreamscapes.
If you had to pick one artist to create the story of your life through art, who would you pick and why?
Tim Burton. His fine detail, humour, wit and capacity to convey magic and stories or otherness and transformation.
Do you have an artist power outfit that you wear while creating?
Yes. in the studio I wear thick blue cotton traditional work shirts. They are fire proof, cover me well and help me feel safe, I wear them and steel toes which helps me feel confident and I work faster and more productively.
When I go out for meetings I where comfy tracksuits and my best trainers which help me feel balanced and ready for anything.
The Author
Joss Smith is an emerging graphic designer based in Tweed Heads, loving everything visual and immersive. Her passion for the creative arts has led her to study a Bachelor of Visual Communication and Graphics. She hopes to balance her love for the arts, culture and nature with her strengths in communication and management to create wicked designs with wicked people.